A tight talent supply of highly talented college students has drawn attention to the latest developments in entry-level online marketing positions. The need of Internet marketers has caused some companies to hire fresh candidates with one year of experience for $40,000, according to Revenue, an affiliate marketing magazine. This new decree outweighs the current wages available for traditional entry-level marketing positions which is currently $35,000. Even though some marketing companies are interested in recent graduates, they still want to hire candidates with on-the-job experience.

It is vital to hire candidates with certification from industry experts, according to some other Internet marketing companies. This is the obvious conclusion of choosing which recent college graduates can perform at the optimal level of competence. The current needs of online marketing staff keep driving recruiters into a new height of stress – can staffing agencies supply what we are looking for?

Recent college graduates interested in online marketing positions may have these qualities:

1. On-the-job experience
   Online marketing internships increased 30% over the last three years according to Vault. Recruiters interested in fresh, innovative candidates should take this into consideration because many recent college graduates may have the credentials suited for your company. Candidates who have worked with Google, Yahoo!, or MSN search engines can work wonders for your marketing department.
2. Industry expert seminars
   Recent college graduates who have attended industry expert seminars should be taken into consideration as well. Industry experts can provide up-to-date as well as basic “training” seminars for professionals and others interested in learning the industry’s needs or upcoming trends. Companies should acknowledge candidates who have attended at least two seminars within the last 18 months. As the online marketing industry changes, so are the requirements and education to stay abreast of a company’s competitive needs in the online marketplace.
3. Certifications from leading search engines
   Google, Yahoo!, and Microsoft’s MSN allows pay-per-click advertisers to qualify through their certification programs. For instance, Google AdWords allows online marketers the opportunity to study their search engine curriculums then apply for testing. The leading search engines determine 65% of search traffic on the Internet. Companies must find themselves available or they may fall into the lower rankings.

Corporate recruiters and staffing agencies can find a very tight talent supply of online marketers, but they must make the right choice. Remember, the candidate’s compatibility plus credentials can make or break a company’s objectives. The uniqueness of online marketing positions could increase a company’s financial growth by placing their brand in the midst of millions of online consumers.

Steven Rothberg is the President and Founder of CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading job board used by students who are hunting for internships and recent graduates who are searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities. Steven may be reached at Steven@CollegeRecruiter.com or 800-835-4989 x704.